Sunday, October 2, 2011

VeganMoFo - Pumpkin Spice Latte

Hmm, do I see a theme emerging here..? Only time will tell....
I promise this will not become a month of pumpkin beverages (unless you want that...) but this one was just begging to be made.

I'll admit that at this time of year I am one of the crazies that shell out too much moola at S'bucks (vegans- please see the link in the comments about the Starbucks version of this beverage) for a pumpkin spice latte. I guess it goes without saying that a little leftover pumpkin butter really got the wheels turning here. Who would've thought?This homemade latte requires a few steps but is not complicated at all. You'll need to start with a simple syrup.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

1/4 cup pumpkin butter

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon sugar

In small sauce pan heat all ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly. When small bubbles form around the edges you're all set! Remove from heat and store any unused portions in a tightly covered container in the fridge.
Now for the main event...

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 tablespoons Pumpkin Spice Syrup

2 shots of espresso

1/4 cup steamed soy milk

Start with the pumpkin syrup in your mug. Pour the espresso over the syrup and stir. Slowly add the steamed soy milk and top with foam. Sip slowly and savor!

Note: I thought 2 tablespoons of syrup would be a lot, but the flavor was very subtle. If you like a strong taste of pumpkin (like moi) then you'll want to add more. Perhaps double it.

Fret not friends! You do not need to own fancy coffee equipment to create a homemade latte. Instead brew 1 cup of strong coffee and warm your soy milk on the stove top.